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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

H.E Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania has sent a congratulatory message to H.E. Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, President of Switzerland on the occasion of the National Day of Switzerland.

The message reads as follows: -

“Your Excellency Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf,

President of Switzerland,

Geneva,

SWITZERLAND

It gives me great pleasure, on behalf of the Government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania and on my own behalf to congratulate Your Excellency, the Government and people of Switzerland on this important day.

On this occasion, I wish to reiterate our commitment to working closely with you in further strengthening the ties of friendship and co-operation that exist between our two countries and people.

Please accept, Your Excellency, my best wishes for your personal good health and continued peace and prosperity for the people of Switzerland”.

Ambassador Dora Msechu, Director of the Department of Europe and the Americas in discussion with H.E. Ambassador Johnny Flento, Ambassador of Denmark to the United Republic of Tanzania. H.E. Ambassador Flento had paid a coutersy call to Ambassador Msechu discussing various areas of cooperation between the countries.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

1.Following the invitation of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, to the Republic of Malawi, a Joint Meeting of Ministers responsible for Boundary issues in the two countries took place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from 27 to 28 July, 2012.

2.The purpose of the Meeting was to revive the stalled negotiations on the delineation, demarcation, delimitation and re-affirmation of the boundary between Tanzania and Malawi on the Lake, and to set a roadmap and program of implementation for the boundary program. The Tanzania delegation was led by Hon. Bernard Kamillius Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The Malawi delegation was led by Honourable Ephraim Mganda Chiume, M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Malawi.

3.The two countries stressed on the importance of resolving the issue of their boundary on the Lake diplomatically.

4.The Ministers approved the roadmap and implementation program for the negotiations on the boundary issue.

5.The Ministers agreed that the Joint Team of Experts, the Joint Committee of Officials, and the Council of Ministers on the Malawi/Tanzania boundary meet in Mzuzu in the week commencing 20th August, 2012, for further negotiations on the issue.

Issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international Cooperation,

Saturday, July 28, 2012

The State funeral of the late President John Evans Atta Mills will take place in Accra from Wednesday August 8 to Friday August 10, 2012, a statement from the office of the President said.

The statement, signed by the Chief of Staff, John Henry Martey Newman yesterday said the funeral service and burial would be held on Friday August 10, indicating that further details would be communicated in due course.

The statement also said that the period of mourning and lowering of the Ghana flags have been extended until after the funeral.

It directed that all public buildings should be draped in red and black colours as well as the national flag to symbolize the state of national mourning.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, receives Copies of Credentials from Ambassador Debnath Shaw, newly designate High Commissioner of India to the United Republic of Tanzania.

Newly designate Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Republic of Tanzania, Ambassador Jassim M.M. al-Darwish, presents Copies of Credentials to Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Hon. Membe (right) in talks with newly designate Ambassador of the State of Qatar in Tanzania, Ambassador Jassim M.M. al-Darwish (center). Other in the photo is Ambassador Simba Yahya, Director of the Department of Middle East at the Ministry.

Hon. Membe explains the two countries' new relation in tourism sector arise as a result of the newly launched Qatar Airways route to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) that has attracted other countries to join in such as Emirates and Turkey. Listening on is Ambassador al-Darwish, the newly designate Ambassador of the States of Qatar to Tanzania.

India, Qatar present Copies of Credentials

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP) has called for enhanced bilateral ties that so happily exist between Tanzania and India.

He said the two countries have enjoyed good relations especially in cultural, business, investment and health sectors.

Hon. Membe said this today shortly before receiving Copies of Credentials from the newly designate High Commissioner of India to Tanzania, H.E. Ambassador Debnath Shaw at his office in Dar es Salaam.

“I don’t see any other country in the world with more connections in a bilateral and international level like the relations that exists between Tanzania and India,” said Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP) as he continued his discussion with Ambassador Shaw.

On his part, Ambassador Shaw expressed his eagerness to continue the strong ties between the countries that continue to exist for years.He said his country is keen to continue the effort to explore the areas of expertise such as industry and healthcare sectors that Tanzania needs in developing projects and capacity building.

During their discussion, Hon. Membe also extended his congratulations to the recently sworn in India President, H.E. Pranab Mukherjee as the country’s 13th President of India.

“India stands as an icon of democracy in the world and I am sure the new President will continue with that legacy at hand,” said Hon. Membe.

Meanwhile, H.E. Ambassador Shaw expressed his country’s condolences for those suffered in the recent ferry accident of the MV Skagit in Zanzibar.

Hon. Membe welcomed again Ambassador Shaw and hoped that while in the country, he will get an opportunity to visit tourist attractions such as Ngorongoro Craters, Spiced Island of Zanzibar and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Meanwhile, the newly designate Ambassador of the State of Qatar in Tanzania, H.E. Ambassador Jassim M.M. al-Darwish, also presented Copies of Credentials to Hon. Membe in Dar es Salaam.

“The launching of Qatar Airways route to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) will strengthen and open new business ventures between Tanzania and State of Qatar,” said Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

“The relation between the two countries will grow in areas of tourism, political and business sector,” said Hon. Membe.

On his part, Ambassador al-Darwish said the Qatar government was set to continue building the relation with Tanzania government, making it more enjoyable and profitable in areas of investments.“We are here to help build the best Tanzania and Qatar,” said Ambassador al-Darwish.

Hon. Membe assured the Ambassador of government’s cooperation in sustaining relations in business, trade and investment to excel in development of the country.

H.E. Ambassador Sinikka Antila of the Embassy of Finland in the United Republic of Tanzania today paid a courtesy visit to Ambassador Irene Kasyanju, Director and Head of the Legal Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Dar es Salaam.

(Reuters) - Ghana's President John Atta Mills, who won international praise for presiding over a stable model democracy in Africa, died suddenly on Tuesday and his vice-president was quickly sworn in to replace him at the helm of the oil, gold and cocoa producer.

Mills had celebrated his 68th birthday on Saturday and his unexpected death came months before he was due to stand for re-election in December as head of the world's No. 2 cocoa grower, which is also a major African gold producer.

"It is with a heavy heart ... that we announce the sudden and untimely death of the president of the Republic of Ghana," the president's office said. It added that Mills had died a few hours after being taken ill, but gave no further details.

A presidential aide, who asked not to be named, said the president had complained of pains on Monday evening and had died early on Tuesday afternoon when his condition worsened.

In line with Ghana's constitution, Vice-President John Dramani Mahama, who is 53, took the oath of office as head of state before a somber parliament hours after the announcement of Mills' death. Mahama will serve as caretaker president until the elections at the end of the year.

Analysts hailed this as a sign that the country's political institutions were solid and working smoothly.

"With Ghana's reputation for stability, having seen two peaceful transitions in government following elections in 2000 and 2008, the strength of Ghana's institutions are likely to see the country in good stead," said Razia Khan, head of Africa research at Standard Chartered.

"As such, market volatility related to near-term uncertainty is likely to be limited," she added.

Amid swirling rumors about his ill health, Mills had returned from medical checks in the United States a few weeks ago. Some reports by local newspapers speculated he had throat cancer, other reports mentioned a sinus-related affliction.

Some analysts questioned whether Mills' death might open up a presidential candidacy battle inside the ruling National Democratic Congress party before the elections. The party will hold an emergency congress to elect a new presidential candidate to contest the vote.

"Elections will have to be held soon and one does not know what the new president will decide, in particular in terms of resource nationalism. Elections are always a factor of instability in Africa," said Martin Bauwens, managing director of Johannesburg-based mine consultancy MJB Consulting.

Producers in Africa's second largest gold producer have raised concerns about government moves to raise the corporate mining tax to 35 percent from 25 percent and to introduce a 10 percent windfall tax as well.

Ghana's state and private radio and TV channels suspended regular programming and played patriotic songs between messages of condolence, urging Ghanaians to unite in a time of grief.

U.S. President Barack Obama, who had received Mills in the Oval Office in March and praised him and his country as "a good-news story" in Africa, also sent his condolences.

"He helped promote economic growth in Ghana in the midst of challenging global circumstances and strengthened Ghana's strong tradition of democracy ... He was also a strong advocate for human rights and for the fair treatment of all Ghanaians," Obama said in a statement from the White House.

Trained as a lawyer and taxation expert, Mills had overseen Ghana's emergence as one of Africa's newest oil producers two years ago, earning respect at home and abroad for his economic policies and commitment to democracy and good governance.

Ghana has seen democratic elections decide its leadership no fewer than four times since the last military coup in 1981, a rare feat in a region where power is still just as often determined by the bullet as by the ballot.

The new caretaker president, Mahama, has just published a book entitled "My First Coup d'Etat: And Other True Stories from the Lost Decades of Africa", a memoir of his early years in the often turbulent events that followed Ghana's 1957 independence from Britain.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

The DICOTA 2012 Convention – themed “Tanzania’s Diaspora - Investment, Citizenship and Relationship” – this year will be held at the Chicago Marriott O'Hare, 8535 West Higgins Road, Chicago, Illinois 60631 U.S.A. from 30th August to 2nd September, 2012.

The convention brings together members of the Tanzanian Diaspora in the United States of America, Tanzanian private sector and government officials; key decision makers from Tanzania and U.S. businesses; financial institutions, charitable organizations and international organizations with vested interest in investment and social and economic growth in the country. The conference presents attendees with the latest trade and investment opportunities in all sectors of the economy, while providing a forum for potential partnership formations through many networking opportunities.

EU, Tanzania leaders pledge more cooperation, dialogue

PRESIDENT of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso today held talks at the State House in Dar es Salaam with H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete President of the United Republic of Tanzania in which they both expressed commitment to increase cooperation and dialogue between the two sides. The Commissioner for Development of the European Commission, Andris Piebalgs and EU officials from Headquarters in Brussels accompanied President Barroso and met with Senior Ministers of the Government and EU Heads of Mission.

The visit is meant to reinforce the high-level political dialogue and to strengthen economic cooperation between Tanzania and the European Union. Six new development programmes were launched to improve access to water and sanitation; strengthen the road transport sector and rural road infrastructure; good governance and social accountability; as well as capacity support for the Government in the area of programme management, policy dialogue and broader donor coordination.

President Barroso stated: "Tanzania has become one of the EU's main partners in Africa, and is also playing an increasingly important role in the stability and the inclusive and sustainable economic growth of the whole region. We now want to deepen our regular political dialogue with Tanzania and further increase our cooperation in areas like energy, anti-piracy, counter-terrorism or migration; issues which are of concern both for Africa and the European Union."

Noting the considerable prospects for economic transformation in Tanzania, he added: "I am also pleased to further increase our development cooperation by launching new programmes that will encourage inclusive and sustainable growth and help us to make even more of a difference in the fight against poverty."

During the visit, six new financing agreements were signed, worth a total of Euro 126.5 million. This new support will help to rehabilitate more than 200 km of roads and provide access to drinking water for 500,000 people; improved sanitation infrastructure and services for some 140,000 inhabitants; strengthen democratisation and good governance.

The signature of the East African Community (EAC) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union is also high on the agenda of the discussions as Tanzania's commitment will be instrumental to reaching an agreement soon.

On his part, President Kikwete expressed his appreciation of the unprecedented historical socio-political and economic cooperation between European Union and Tanzania; and added “the EU is one of our key Development Partners both in terms of magnitude of financial support and commitment to our development initiatives”. Since 1975, Tanzania has benefited significantly from grant aid from the EU of about Euro 1.8 billion (TZS 3.8 trillion).

Going forward, President Kikwete commended the EU’s decision to consider using our national development strategies and Plans to develop future financing programmes rather than developing a parallel separate strategy as it has been the case in the past. He added “this is a commendable decision and would like to once again thank you for recognizing that our development strategy documents are sound and could be relied upon”. He pointed out great challenge on addressing supply-side constraints which are inhibiting achievement of significant poverty reduction, especially in rural areas where majority of population live. Therefore, he requested, during the programming of the 11th EDF, the European Commission to consider road transport sub-sector, rural infrastructure and General Budget Support as focal sectors in order to assist the Government to address these challenges.

President Kikwete expressed his Government’s commitment to strengthen unprecedented historical cooperation between Tanzania and the EU and said he looked forward to working together towards this end.

BACKGROUND

The first Financing Agreement that was signed at the occasion of the visit of President Barroso and Commissioner Piebalgs, amounting to €45 million is for the support of improvement of road transport network in Tanzania. With a specific objective of supporting priorities specified in the Transport Sector Investment Programme, focusing on the road maintenance with particular emphasis on rural road sub-sector and effectively promoting the dialogue on maintenance related strategy and policy with a view to progressive coverage of the maintenance needs. The second Financing Agreement under MDG Initiative, worth €51.51 million, is for Water Programmes in the towns of Lindi, Sumbawanga and Kigoma. The third Financing Agreement, amounting to €22 million, is for support to improvement of rural roads with the objective to support national decentralisation strategy in improving connectivity and accessibility to markets and service facilities by removing bottlenecks on selected local roads in three regions. The fourth Financing Agreement amounting to €3 million is for programme to support Non-State Actors in Zanzibar with the overall objective to strengthen democratisation and good governance and support civil society initiatives on accountability, participatory development and policy advocacy. The fifth Financing Agreement, worth €2.5 million, is for programme to support National Authorising Office for managing EU portfolio in the country. While the last Financing Agreement worth €2.5 million, is for Technical Cooperation Facility aimed at providing a flexible instrument for capacity development and policy and expert advice to strengthen EU programmes implementation and formulation, policy dialogue and broader donor coordination

of China and Representative of Foreign Minister of Arab Republic of Egypt

Honorable Ministers,

Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me join others who spoke before me to thank the Government and people of the Great Republic of China for the warm hospitality which has been extended to me and my delegation since our arrival in this Beautiful city of Beijing.

I also join those who have spoken before me in hailing the renewed strategic partnership between China and Africa. It is indeed, a new milestone in a long history of friendship and cooperation between China and Africa. I have no doubt in my mind that the outcome of our meeting today paves way for us to build on past achievement and open up new prospects for the new type of China-Africa relations in different areas ranging from political, international, economic, development and cultural affairs.

Further, we are gratified to note that China has fulfilled the commitments contained in the measures to strengthen China-Africa Cooperation announced by Premier Wenjiabao in November 2009 in Sharm El Sheikh. Such is a gesture of true friendship, partnership and a good intention that China has towards Africa. The implementation of those measures have brought vibrancy to the economic relations between China and Africa. Tanzania joins others African countries in reassuring China of our unwavering support, confidence and commitment towards China.

Our trade volumes have doubled from US$106.8 billion in 2008 to US$166.3 billion last year. A number of African countries have achieved significant increases in their trade exchanges with China, mainly because of China's commitment to open its market to African countries and their decision to phase in, under the South-South cooperation framework where African products have enjoyed zero tarrif treatment. Similar remakable success stories can be told in other areas of Investment, infrastructure development, ICT and many more.

The increase of trade and investment from China has also facilitated our people to people relations and social interactions. The Chinese community has expanded significantly in Africa and have well been integrated with the locals. We believe that it is important to transform further our relations from goverment to goverment to facilitate more exchanges of our people and private sectors, to cement further our relations and for its sustainability.

Co-Chairs,

It is our wish to see greater diversification to include value added products. To achieve this, we would welcome additional investment by Chinese companies to raise Africa's productive capacity through addressing supplyside constraints, building of capacity in beneficiation, value-addition, manufacturing capacity, transfer of technology and investment in key enablers such as energy, transport infrastructure as well as information and information technology.

Co-Chairs, Ladies and Gentlemen,

At this juncture let me use this opportunity to express the gratitude of people of Tanzania to the People's Republic of China for their invaluable support in the form of grants and soft loans which has enabled us to undertake socioeconomic development projects for the wellbeing of our people. Indeed, China's support has always been from the heart to the heart!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

If there is anyone out there who still doubts the China-Africa partnership or if there is anyone who is envious of this partnership, or who is trying to break this cooperation, here is your advice: Dont waste you time.If anything, this partnership will be promoted and sustained.

We don’t need anybody to lecture us on who should be our best partner. We know who the best partner is.

Some countries advise their business communities on where to go and where not to go in Africa. They warn them not to go to countries infected with Malaria, drought, floods and civil war. CHINA DOES NOT. To the contrary, the Chinese can reach any country regardless of any problems.

Some countries put strict and difficult conditionality if we want to access development capital. CHINA DOES NOT. On the contrary, they provide, concessional loans and low interest rates. Indeed, they are, our best friends.

And Last but not least,I thank the senior officials for a job well-done to prepare the Beijing Declarationand theBeijing Action Plan (2012 – 2015)indeed they have simplified our work here today.

1.At the invitation of H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia paid a three-day State Visit to the United Republic of Tanzania from 17th to 19th July, 2012.H.E. President Sirleaf was accompanied by a high powered delegation of the Government of the Republic of Liberia.

2.Upon arrival at the JuliusNyerereInternationalAirport, H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was received by her host, H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Honourable Ministers as well as other senior officials of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.

3.The three-day visit was an opportunity for enhancing and strengthening the brotherly relations that so happily exist between the Governments and peoples of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Liberia.

4.While in the country, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf held official talks with her host, President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.During their talks, the two Presidents expressed their satisfaction on the excellent fraternal relations that so happily exist between the Governments and peoples of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Liberia.In that connection, they expressed their hope that the visit of the Liberian President would further enhance and consolidate these relations.

5.The two Presidents briefed each other on the political and economic situation prevailing in their two respective countries and expressed their satisfaction on the progress made in these areas.In that regard, they underscored the need to explore areas of socio-economic cooperation.Tanzania expressed its desire to learn from the Liberian experience in iron ore production and the management of the rubber industry.For its part, Liberia indicated its wish to apply lessons learned from Tanzania’s experience and success for the revitalization of Liberia’s coffee program and fishing industry.

6.Recognizing the importance of peace and stability in the African continent, the two Presidents exchanged views on the situation obtaining in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Guinea Bissau, Mali and Somalia.In that regard, the two Presidents undertook to continue working together with a view to finding lasting solutions to the on-going crisis in the respective countries.

7.On 18th July, 2012, H.E. President Sirleaf launched the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) offices in Dar es Salaam and participated in an interactive discussion on “The Role of Women in African Development” at the University of Dar es Salaam.On 19th July, 2012 while in Arusha, she made a tour of the Africa Technical Research Centre.She also made a tour of the A to Z Textile Mills Limited which manufactures treated mosquito bed nets.

8.At the conclusion of her State Visit, H.E. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf expressed her gratitude to the Government and People of the United Republic of Tanzania for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to her and her delegation during the visit.

9.President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf extended an invitation to President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete to visit Liberia at his convenient time.The invitation was accepted with pleasure and the exact dates shall be communicated through the diplomatic channels.

10.H.E. President Sirleaf and her entourage departed Tanzania for a return journeyto Liberia on 19th July, 2012 .